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 He went on to say, “At the beginning of the season we set as one of our goals to win one game at the N.I.T.  But if you win one, you get greedy and want to win two, three and maybe four games.” He went on to say, “At the beginning of the season we set as one of our goals to win one game at the N.I.T.  But if you win one, you get greedy and want to win two, three and maybe four games.”
  
-The coach also introduced backcourt stars Mike Pagliara and senior Bill Greeley.  Leaman added, “Bill and the other two seniors Ken Mathias and Bob Dempsey, are the only seniors ever to graduate from UMass without losing a Yankee Conference Championship and this is quite an accomplishment.”+The coach also introduced backcourt stars Mike Pagliara and senior Bill Greeley.  Leaman added, “Bill and the other two seniors [[Ken Mathias]] and Bob Dempsey, are the only seniors ever to graduate from UMass without losing a Yankee Conference Championship and this is quite an accomplishment.”
  
 Word on the pairings and seedings for the tournament will not be available until either Monday or Tuesday of next week.  The coaches of all the participating teams will meet on these days to set up the pairings. Word on the pairings and seedings for the tournament will not be available until either Monday or Tuesday of next week.  The coaches of all the participating teams will meet on these days to set up the pairings.
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-[[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] and John Betancourt, who sparked UMass to its fourth consecutive [[Yankee Conference]] Championship and its second straight N.I.T. bid were named along with [[wp>Bob Staak]] of [[opponent_connecticut|UConn]] and Nate Adger and Dwight Tolliver of [[opponent_rhode_island|Rhode Island]] to the All Yankee Conference First Team.+[[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] and John Betancourt, who sparked UMass to its fourth consecutive [[Yankee Conference]] Championship and its second straight N.I.T. bid were named along with [[wp>Bob Staak]] of [[opponent_connecticut|UConn]] and Nate Adger and Dwight Tolliver of [[opponent_rhode_island|Rhode Island]] to the All [[Yankee Conference]] First Team.
  
-Second team honors went to Redman Ken Mathias, Steve Rowell and Phil Hickson of Rhode Island, Bob Boyd of UConn and Dwight Peters of New Hampshire.+Second team honors went to Redman [[Ken Mathias]], Steve Rowell and Phil Hickson of Rhode Island, Bob Boyd of UConn and Dwight Peters of [[opponent_new_hampshire|New Hampshire]].
  
-Honorable mentions went to Ron Hrubala (UConn), Dave Pemberton (UNH), Nick Susi (Maine), Ed Molloy (URI) and Ray Ortiz (Vermont).+Honorable mentions went to Ron Hrubala (UConn), Dave Pemberton (UNH), Nick Susi ([[opponent_maine|Maine]]), Ed Molloy (URI) and Ray Ortiz ([[opponent_vermont|Vermont]]).
  
 Erving, who led all New England scorers and rebounders and was eighth and third in both departments in the nation, was the only unanimous choice of the six league coaches and this came as no surprise. The 6’6 junior All American, who was honored earlier in the week in being named to Basketball Weekly's All American team, was the dominating force in all Redman games during the regular season. His scoring, his rebounding and his defense were the driving force in the Redman surge to basketball prominence.  Erving, who led all New England scorers and rebounders and was eighth and third in both departments in the nation, was the only unanimous choice of the six league coaches and this came as no surprise. The 6’6 junior All American, who was honored earlier in the week in being named to Basketball Weekly's All American team, was the dominating force in all Redman games during the regular season. His scoring, his rebounding and his defense were the driving force in the Redman surge to basketball prominence. 
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 Betancourt was named on four ballots for first team and two for second. In his second straight season as a starter, the 5’10 junior averaged 12.8 points a game and led all Redmen in assists with 113. He was the spark of the team with his ability to come up with the big game when needed a major factor in UMass basketball success.  Betancourt was named on four ballots for first team and two for second. In his second straight season as a starter, the 5’10 junior averaged 12.8 points a game and led all Redmen in assists with 113. He was the spark of the team with his ability to come up with the big game when needed a major factor in UMass basketball success. 
  
-Coach Jack Leaman commented on his play, “John is the spark that ignited the team. When he played well the team played well. He did a good job both defensively and offensively and was the key to our running game which is our most effective type of play." +Coach [[leaman_jack|Jack Leaman]] commented on his play, “John is the spark that ignited the team. When he played well the team played well. He did a good job both defensively and offensively and was the key to our running game which is our most effective type of play." 
  
 Adger and Tolliver are both seniors and all Yankee Conference opponents are happy to hear this. Adger averaged 17 points per game and was the big guy under the boards for the Rams. Tolliver, 5'9, was consistent throughout the season and was deadly from the outside with his left-handed shot. On defense he was as good at his position as any guard in New England. Adger and Tolliver are both seniors and all Yankee Conference opponents are happy to hear this. Adger averaged 17 points per game and was the big guy under the boards for the Rams. Tolliver, 5'9, was consistent throughout the season and was deadly from the outside with his left-handed shot. On defense he was as good at his position as any guard in New England.
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 Boyd is the second half of the hot-shooting UConn duo along with Staak. He averaged 18 points on the season and along with Staak will be graduating this year which is also good news for UConn opponents. Boyd is the second half of the hot-shooting UConn duo along with Staak. He averaged 18 points on the season and along with Staak will be graduating this year which is also good news for UConn opponents.
  
-HOOP NOTES-Two more teams were added to the N.I.T. field a couple of days ago. From the Big Ten league runner-up Michigan was picked to become the first Big Ten team to compete in the N.I.T. An interesting note on the Michigan selection is that its coach John Orr was the former head coach of basketball at UMass and his assistant was none other than Jack Leaman... Also picked was Big Eight runner-up Oklahoma which will be making its second straight appearance in the tournament. The Sooners have a record of 19-7. The last four bids will come from the Atlantic Coast Conference, which is presently completing its league playoffs, and from the Missouri Valley Conference… Pairings will probably be made on Monday and Tuesday at which time a notice will be made of ticket sales. +HOOP NOTES-Two more teams were added to the N.I.T. field a couple of days ago. From the [[wp>Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]] league runner-up [[opponent_michigan|Michigan]] was picked to become the first Big Ten team to compete in the N.I.T. An interesting note on the Michigan selection is that its coach [[johnny_orr|John Orr]] was the former head coach of basketball at UMass and his assistant was none other than Jack Leaman... Also picked was [[wp>Big Eight Conference|Big Eight]] runner-up [[opponent_oklahoma|Oklahoma]] which will be making its second straight appearance in the tournament. The Sooners have a record of 19-7. The last four bids will come from the [[wp>Atlantic Coast Conference]], which is presently completing its league playoffs, and from the [[wp>Missouri Valley Conference]]… Pairings will probably be made on Monday and Tuesday at which time a notice will be made of ticket sales.
- +
  
 **Dempsey And Greeley: Two Reserves, True Assets**\\ **Dempsey And Greeley: Two Reserves, True Assets**\\
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 For many hoopsters the scoring average is a true estimate of one's playing ability. But for senior reserve veterans Bob Dempsey and Bill Greeley it just presents a total picture of deception.  For many hoopsters the scoring average is a true estimate of one's playing ability. But for senior reserve veterans Bob Dempsey and Bill Greeley it just presents a total picture of deception. 
  
-While the pair's scoring credentials combined probably don't amount to much more than the average sum, their availability and readiness to come off the bench in key situation reflects credibly in the final analysis. Marking time on the bench doesn’t come easy to anyone. But it's an even more difficult task to come into a ball game prepared to do the job when you're called upon. Head Coach Jack Leaman feels that they have been more than adequate in bolstering the bench and adding depth to a squad which is already blessed in balance. +While the pair's scoring credentials combined probably don't amount to much more than the average sum, their availability and readiness to come off the bench in key situation reflects credibly in the final analysis. Marking time on the bench doesn’t come easy to anyone. But it's an even more difficult task to come into a ball game prepared to do the job when you're called upon. Head Coach [[leaman_jack|Jack Leaman]] feels that they have been more than adequate in bolstering the bench and adding depth to a squad which is already blessed in balance. 
  
 “I don't think that it's any accident that UMass started winning when Dempsey and Greeley came into our program,” declares the Redman mentor. “Their three-year record is 58-17 and by the end of this span, they will have played in two national tourneys. You can’t ask much more than that from any player." “I don't think that it's any accident that UMass started winning when Dempsey and Greeley came into our program,” declares the Redman mentor. “Their three-year record is 58-17 and by the end of this span, they will have played in two national tourneys. You can’t ask much more than that from any player."
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 Looking back over his schoolboy days, Dempsey was quite the basketball player for Durfee High (Fall River) where he was an All-State guard for two years. In his senior season the co-captain averaged 17 points per outing while his school secured the state title with a 25-12 log (1966). Looking back over his schoolboy days, Dempsey was quite the basketball player for Durfee High (Fall River) where he was an All-State guard for two years. In his senior season the co-captain averaged 17 points per outing while his school secured the state title with a 25-12 log (1966).
  
-The other members who rounded out Durfee's starting cast that year did well for themselves, too. Brother Ted, a former Providence hurler who registered a 10-6 record with the Friars, is currently working towards his PHd in education here at the university. Former teammate Ernie Fleming brought along a junior college buddy in Artis Gilmore and has helped to make Jacksonville the team it is. One mate played ball at Vermont for two years before withdrawing and another received a grid scholarship.+The other members who rounded out Durfee's starting cast that year did well for themselves, too. Brother Ted, a former Providence hurler who registered a 10-6 record with the Friars, is currently working towards his PHd in education here at the university. Former teammate Ernie Fleming brought along a junior college buddy in [[wp>Artis Gilmore]] and has helped to make [[opponent_jacksonville|Jacksonville]] the team it is. One mate played ball at [[opponent_vermont|Vermont]] for two years before withdrawing and another received a grid scholarship.
  
 Dempsey insists that baseball was always his game and he sometimes regrets having abandoned it for the hardwood. He qualified for the Hearst sandlot team two of the three years he played on the high school diamond.  Dempsey insists that baseball was always his game and he sometimes regrets having abandoned it for the hardwood. He qualified for the Hearst sandlot team two of the three years he played on the high school diamond. 
  
-All it took was a one year stay at North Yarmouth (Maine) Prep Academy and the athletic Fall Riverite never knew the confines of a dugout again. His 25-point scoring average complimented that of Ray Johnson's 35 (now at P.C.) and carried North Yarmouth into the finals of the New England Prep School Tourney where they bowed after a 22-game unbeaten streak. +All it took was a one year stay at North Yarmouth (Maine) Prep Academy and the athletic Fall Riverite never knew the confines of a dugout again. His 25-point scoring average complimented that of Ray Johnson's 35 (now at [[opponent_providence|P.C.]]) and carried North Yarmouth into the finals of the New England Prep School Tourney where they bowed after a 22-game unbeaten streak. 
  
-But the ball didn't stop for Dempsey there-it kept rolling for 10 more games. Selected to the NE All-Star Prep team, he was just one of the better reasons his squad went undefeated in a three week tour of Europe. He paced his mates with an 18 point scoring average and toted home the MVP honors. +But the ball didn't stop for Dempsey there - it kept rolling for 10 more games. Selected to the NE All-Star Prep team, he was just one of the better reasons his squad went undefeated in a three week tour of Europe. He paced his mates with an 18 point scoring average and toted home the MVP honors. 
  
 Greeley, an All-State guard for Melrose High, likewise led his team to a state championship in basketball - and they did it a year after Durfee turned the trick. Greeley, an All-State guard for Melrose High, likewise led his team to a state championship in basketball - and they did it a year after Durfee turned the trick.
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 Dempsey and Greeley had proven themselves enough to be dubbed fine schoolboys in every sense. UMass wasted no time in recruiting them. When given their first test of the collegiate brand they didn't exactly shine on, but were contributing cogs to the freshman's 12-7 slate under coach Broaca. Despite a 28 point debut, Dempsey could muster only a 7.3 average. Greeley scored at 6.6 clip. Dempsey and Greeley had proven themselves enough to be dubbed fine schoolboys in every sense. UMass wasted no time in recruiting them. When given their first test of the collegiate brand they didn't exactly shine on, but were contributing cogs to the freshman's 12-7 slate under coach Broaca. Despite a 28 point debut, Dempsey could muster only a 7.3 average. Greeley scored at 6.6 clip.
  
-In any event the two guards made a good enough impression to graduate into the varsity ranks. With an incomparable backcourt combo in All-YanCon greats Ray Ellerbrook and Joey DiSarcina, it would appear that Dempsey and Greeley wouldn't see much action as sophomores. Well, as it turned out DiSarcina was inactivated for a spell and a guard post had to be filled. Leaman went to his young guards, alternating the duty. They responded to the opportunity and performed well. Of seven games Dempsev started, the Redmen won seven. As for Greeley, he played more than last year and this year combined. UMass ranked second in New England and had a 17-7 mark.+In any event the two guards made a good enough impression to graduate into the varsity ranks. With an incomparable backcourt combo in All-[[yankee_conference|YanCon]] greats Ray Ellerbrook and Joey DiSarcina, it would appear that Dempsey and Greeley wouldn't see much action as sophomores. Well, as it turned out DiSarcina was inactivated for a spell and a guard post had to be filled. Leaman went to his young guards, alternating the duty. They responded to the opportunity and performed well. Of seven games Dempsev started, the Redmen won seven. As for Greeley, he played more than last year and this year combined. UMass ranked second in New England and had a 17-7 mark.
  
 It was rather unfortunate for Greeley and Dempsey that they came at a time when the Redmen were loaded with talented guards. For any possible steady starting role eluded them last year when John Betancourt and Mike Pagliara worked their way into the scene after an unbeaten frosh year. DiSarcina was gone but Ellerbrook was rounding out the final leg of his career. As a result, the amount of action they saw was considerably lessened. It was rather unfortunate for Greeley and Dempsey that they came at a time when the Redmen were loaded with talented guards. For any possible steady starting role eluded them last year when John Betancourt and Mike Pagliara worked their way into the scene after an unbeaten frosh year. DiSarcina was gone but Ellerbrook was rounding out the final leg of his career. As a result, the amount of action they saw was considerably lessened.
  
-Much of the same is true this season. Pagliara and Betancourt are established starters, and transfer student Tom McLaughlin gets his share of playing time. But there have been situations this season when Dempsey and Greeley have demonstrated that they possess the ability of a starter, despite their consistent role as a reserve. +Much of the same is true this season. Pagliara and Betancourt are established starters, and transfer student [[Tom McLaughlin]] gets his share of playing time. But there have been situations this season when Dempsey and Greeley have demonstrated that they possess the ability of a starter, despite their consistent role as a reserve. 
  
-Dempsey had his night in the Northeastern tilt, fitting in for Pagliara who was struck with the flu. In 30 minutes of action he caged eight points, two for three from the floor and four in as many charity shots. Tabbed as one of the better ball handlers on the club, Dempsey pleased the crowd well.+Dempsey had his night in [[game19710130_northeastern|the Northeastern tilt]], fitting in for Pagliara who was struck with the flu. In 30 minutes of action he caged eight points, two for three from the floor and four in as many charity shots. Tabbed as one of the better ball handlers on the club, Dempsey pleased the crowd well.
  
 The UConn evening belonged to Greeley. He was inserted with 13 minutes left, hit on four of five long bombs, and employed his usually tenacious defense.  The UConn evening belonged to Greeley. He was inserted with 13 minutes left, hit on four of five long bombs, and employed his usually tenacious defense. 
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 Dempsey and Greeley have been in perpetual competition against each other for four years. They've remained the best of friends - they roomed together as freshmen, went to Sam Jones' basketball camp together and belong to Theta Chi Fraternity. How much action one sees in the NIT will certainly be influential upon the other's playing time. Asked if there has been any friction amongst them Dempsey took a friendly jab: "The only friction there has been has been caused by a few girls we've dated!" Dempsey and Greeley have been in perpetual competition against each other for four years. They've remained the best of friends - they roomed together as freshmen, went to Sam Jones' basketball camp together and belong to Theta Chi Fraternity. How much action one sees in the NIT will certainly be influential upon the other's playing time. Asked if there has been any friction amongst them Dempsey took a friendly jab: "The only friction there has been has been caused by a few girls we've dated!"
- 
  
  
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-New York - UMass will face 12th-ranked No. Carolina in the opening game of the N.I.T. Saturday at 11 a.m.  It’s the second straight year that the Redmen have to face the top-ranked team in the tourney.+New York - UMass will face 12th-ranked [[opponent_north_carolina|No. Carolina]] in the opening game of [[wp>1971 National Invitation Tournament|the N.I.T.]] Saturday at 11 a.m.  It’s the second straight year that the Redmen have to face the top-ranked team in the tourney.
  
-Final selection of No. Carolina, Louisville, Purdue and Duke, in that order, to fill the 16-team tourney, and the pairings, were announced by the N.I.T. committee at a press luncheon at Madison Square Garden Penn Plaza Club Monday noon.+Final selection of No. Carolina, [[opponent_louisville|Louisville]], [[opponent_purdue|Purdue]] and [[opponent_duke|Duke]], in that order, to fill the 16-team tourney, and the pairings, were announced by the N.I.T. committee at a press luncheon at [[wp>Madison Square Garden]] Penn Plaza Club Monday noon.
  
-UMass coach Jack Leaman attended the luncheon along with Asst. Sports Information Director Dick Bresciani, Jim Regan of the Springfield Daily News and Jerry Radding of the Springfield Union.+UMass coach [[leaman_jack|Jack Leaman]] attended the luncheon along with Asst. Sports Information Director Dick Bresciani, Jim Regan of the [[wp>Springfield Daily News]] and Jerry Radding of the [[wp>The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|Springfield Union]].
  
-Other coaches attending were Dave Gavitt, Providence, Paul Westhead, La Salle, Roy Danforth, Syracuse, and Frank Mulzoff, St. Johns.  Tom Ferrick, Dayton Athletic Director, represented the Flyers.+Other coaches attending were [[wp>Dave Gavitt]], [[opponent_providence|Providence]], [[wp>Paul Westhead]], [[opponent_la_salle|La Salle]], [[wp>Roy Danforth]], [[opponent_syracuse|Syracuse]], and Frank Mulzoff, [[opponent_st_johns|St. Johns]].  Tom Ferrick, [[opponent_dayton|Dayton]] Athletic Director, represented the Flyers.
  
-Phone hookups were held with John Orr of Michigan, ex-UMass coach 1963-66, Ray Mears, Tennessee, Whack Hyder, Georgia Tech, Red Rocha, Hawaii, and George King, Purdue.+Phone hookups were held with [[johnny_orr|John Orr]] of [[opponent_michigan|Michigan]], ex-UMass coach 1963-66, [[wp>Ray Mears (basketball)|Ray Mears]], [[opponent_tennessee|Tennessee]], [[wp>John Hyder|Whack Hyder]], [[opponent_georgia_tech|Georgia Tech]], [[wp>Red Rocha]], [[opponent_hawaii|Hawaii]], and [[wp>George King (basketball, born 1928)|George King]], [[opponent_purdue|Purdue]].
  
-No. Carolina, 22-6, was regular-season champ of the Atlantic Coast Conference but lost the league playoffs to So. Carolina Saturday for the right to compete in the NCAA.+No. Carolina, 22-6, was regular-season champ of the [[wp>Atlantic Coast Conference]] but lost the league playoffs to [[opponent_south_carolina|So. Carolina]] Saturday for the right to compete in the NCAA.
  
-Jr. forward Dennis Wuycik, 6’5, who played with Julius Erving on the Olympic Development team last summer, paces No. Carolina with an 18.7 average and a 63% field goal mark.+Jr. forward [[wp>Dennis Wuycik]], 6’5, who played with [[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] on the Olympic Development team last summer, paces No. Carolina with an 18.7 average and a 63% field goal mark.
  
 Other Saturday pairings have P.C., 19-7, and Louisville, 20-8, at 1 p.m., Dayton, 18-8, and Duke, 18-8, at 3 p.m., Tennessee, 20-6, at St. John’s, 18-8, at 7 p.m. and Georgia Tech, 20-8, and La Salle, 20-6, at 9 p.m. Other Saturday pairings have P.C., 19-7, and Louisville, 20-8, at 1 p.m., Dayton, 18-8, and Duke, 18-8, at 3 p.m., Tennessee, 20-6, at St. John’s, 18-8, at 7 p.m. and Georgia Tech, 20-8, and La Salle, 20-6, at 9 p.m.
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 Quarterfinals will conclude with two games Wednesday and the semifinals will be played Thursday.  The championship game will be at 1 p.m. Saturday with the consolation game at 11 a.m. Quarterfinals will conclude with two games Wednesday and the semifinals will be played Thursday.  The championship game will be at 1 p.m. Saturday with the consolation game at 11 a.m.
  
-Ben Carnevale of New York U., president of the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association which runs the tourney, said that Duke and Purdue were selected as independents among a final pool of 12 teams.  Kentucky State, winner of the NAIA for the second straight year, was among those not chosen.  He said top consideration in the pairings went to the A.C.C. and the Southeastern Conference in one bracket, and La Salle, the Big 10 and St. Bonaventure in the other bracket.+Ben Carnevale of [[opponent_nyu|New York U.]], president of the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association which runs the tourney, said that Duke and Purdue were selected as independents among a final pool of 12 teams.  [[wp>Kentucky State Thorobreds and Thorobrettes|Kentucky State]], winner of the [[wp>National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] for the second straight year, was among those not chosen.  He said top consideration in the pairings went to the A.C.C. and the [[wp>Southeastern Conference]] in one bracket, and La Salle, the [[wp>Big Ten Conference|Big 10]] and [[opponent_st_bonaventure|St. Bonaventure]] in the other bracket.
  
 The coaches were asked to speak for their teams.  Coach Leaman said, “It’s a pleasure to come back to the N.I.T. and New York.  We’re a better team than most people give us credit for and are looking forward to the tourney.” The coaches were asked to speak for their teams.  Coach Leaman said, “It’s a pleasure to come back to the N.I.T. and New York.  We’re a better team than most people give us credit for and are looking forward to the tourney.”
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-Jack Leaman of UMass and Jerry Alaimo of Brown have been selected as co-coaches of the year by a vote of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in District One.+[[leaman_jack|Jack Leaman]] of UMass and Jerry Alaimo of [[opponent_brown|Brown]] have been selected as co-coaches of the year by a vote of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in District One.
  
-Leaman guided UMass to a 23-3 record, the Yankee Conference championship with a 10-0 mark, the Hall of Fame Christmas Tourney title and the school’s second straight berth in the National Invitational Tournament at Madison Square Garden.  Leaman’s five-year record at UMass shows 83 wins and 42 losses, including a 42-8 Conference mark.+Leaman guided UMass to a 23-3 record, the [[Yankee Conference]] championship with a 10-0 mark, the [[game19701230_colgate|Hall of Fame Christmas Tourney title]] and the school’s second straight berth in the [[wp>National Invitation Tournament]] at [[wp>Madison Square Garden]].  Leaman’s five-year record at UMass shows 83 wins and 42 losses, including a 42-8 Conference mark.
  
-Alaimo led Brown to a 10-16 record, the school’s most wins since 1966-67 and the Gem City championship during Christmas vacation.  Brown finished fifth in the Ivy League, beat Yale twice for the first time since 1910-11 and broke the school record for most points scored in one season.+Alaimo led Brown to a 10-16 record, the school’s most wins since 1966-67 and the Gem City championship during Christmas vacation.  Brown finished fifth in the [[wp>Ivy League]], beat [[opponent_yale|Yale]] twice for the first time since 1910-11 and broke the school record for most points scored in one season.
  
 Leaman and Alaimo will be honored along with the coaches of the other seven National Districts, at the National Coaches Convention in Houston, March 24 to 27. Leaman and Alaimo will be honored along with the coaches of the other seven National Districts, at the National Coaches Convention in Houston, March 24 to 27.
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 [{{ :19710320_collegian_cartoon.jpg?direct&400|Mass. Daily Collegian cartoon}}] [{{ :19710320_collegian_cartoon.jpg?direct&400|Mass. Daily Collegian cartoon}}]
-For the second straight year the UMass basketball team has drawn the top seeded team in the opening round of the National Invitational Tournament. Last year the opponent was Marquette. This year it's the Tarheels from North Carolina. +For the second straight year the UMass basketball team has drawn the top seeded team in the opening round of the [[wp>National Invitation Tournament]]. [[game19700314_marquette|Last year the opponent was Marquette]]. This year it's the Tarheels from [[opponent_north_carolina|North Carolina]]. 
  
-Picked in preseason for either the cellar or the middle of the standings in the Atlantic Coast Conference, North Carolina came on strong as the season progressed and won the regular season title only to be defeated in the three day league tourney by South Carolina, 52-51, on a tough luck play. +Picked in preseason for either the cellar or the middle of the standings in the [[wp>Atlantic Coast Conference]], North Carolina came on strong as the season progressed and won the regular season title only to be defeated in the three day league tourney by [[opponent_south_carolina|South Carolina]], 52-51, on a tough luck play. 
  
-On this play the Tarheels were beaten on a jump ball, as Lee Dedmon, their 6'11 center, who had an eight inch height advantage over all-American John Roche of South Carolina, tapped the ball into the hands of an opponent for an easy layup and the one-point victory for South Carolina. +On this play the Tarheels were beaten on a jump ball, as Lee Dedmon, their 6'11 center, who had an eight inch height advantage over all-American [[wp>John Roche (basketball)|John Roche]] of South Carolina, tapped the ball into the hands of an opponent for an easy layup and the one-point victory for South Carolina. 
  
 The Tarheels have been perennial NCAA tournament competitors during the last decade and only this miscue kept them out of it this year. Their top seed in this year's NIT came as no surprise.  The Tarheels have been perennial NCAA tournament competitors during the last decade and only this miscue kept them out of it this year. Their top seed in this year's NIT came as no surprise. 
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 They play a tough schedule and come from probably the toughest basketball league in the country. Every game in the ACC is a war and coming out on top is a big accomplishment. Outside of its conference the Tarheels have only lost two games in a schedule that was far superior to that of Marquette’s one year ago.  They play a tough schedule and come from probably the toughest basketball league in the country. Every game in the ACC is a war and coming out on top is a big accomplishment. Outside of its conference the Tarheels have only lost two games in a schedule that was far superior to that of Marquette’s one year ago. 
  
-In the past teams in the ACC had problems in the NIT due to the fact that it was held just a couple of days after the league playoffs which is a tremendous drain both physically and mentally on the ballplayers. Last year North Carolina came to the NIT right after the tourney and was defeated in the first round by Manhattan. +In the past teams in the ACC had problems in the NIT due to the fact that it was held just a couple of days after the league playoffs which is a tremendous drain both physically and mentally on the ballplayers. Last year North Carolina came to the NIT right after the tourney and was defeated in the first round by [[opponent_manhattan|Manhattan]]. 
  
 This year though they will have a week to rest up and this will pose a problem for UMass. In preparing for the Tarheels the Redmen will have their difficulties as North Carolina does a great deal with the ball on the court. In its league a team has to do a multiple of things to survive.  This year though they will have a week to rest up and this will pose a problem for UMass. In preparing for the Tarheels the Redmen will have their difficulties as North Carolina does a great deal with the ball on the court. In its league a team has to do a multiple of things to survive. 
  
-Coached by Dean Smith, who is one of the best in the nation, North Carolina starts a big team with outstanding personnel both on the court and the bench. All of the players were past high school all-staters and play a fine brand of ball. +Coached by [[wp>Dean Smith]], who is one of the best in the nation, North Carolina starts a big team with outstanding personnel both on the court and the bench. All of the players were past high school all-staters and play a fine brand of ball. 
  
-Up front the Tarheels have Dedmon at center with Bill Chamberlain, 6'6 and Dennis Wuycik, 6'5 at the forwards: Dedmon is a 6’11 "ballplayer" who can handle himself well on both ends of the court. +Up front the Tarheels have Dedmon at center with [[wp>Bill Chamberlain]], 6'6 and [[wp>Dennis Wuycik]], 6'5 at the forwards: Dedmon is a 6’11 "ballplayer" who can handle himself well on both ends of the court. 
  
-Wuycik is the top scorer, 18.8 points per game, and the spark for North Carolina. He played with Julius Erving on the Olympic Development team that toured Europe last summer and is currently the top field goal shooter in the country with 63% from the floor. To top these credentials off, he was selected to the ACC all-conference first team which is quite an honor with the caliber of play in the league. +Wuycik is the top scorer, 18.8 points per game, and the spark for North Carolina. He played with [[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] on the Olympic Development team that toured Europe last summer and is currently the top field goal shooter in the country with 63% from the floor. To top these credentials off, he was selected to the ACC all-conference first team which is quite an honor with the caliber of play in the league. 
  
 Chamberlain has been averaging 13 points a game and is a solid performer up front. Chamberlain has been averaging 13 points a game and is a solid performer up front.
  
-In the backcourt will be George Karl and Steve Pervis, both 6'2. Karl is the quarterback of the club and was picked to the second all-conference team. Both he and Pervis are exceptionally quick and hard to handle. +In the backcourt will be [[wp>George Karl]] and [[wp>Steve Previs]], both 6'2. Karl is the quarterback of the club and was picked to the second all-conference team. Both he and Previs are exceptionally quick and hard to handle. 
  
 On the bench North Carolina has a group of players who could probably be starting for many other schools in this country. During a game coach Smith goes to the bench often and with confidence. During the league tourney he went to 6'7 Dave Chadwick and he responded with a clutch effort. The Tarheels play at least eight to ten players a game.  On the bench North Carolina has a group of players who could probably be starting for many other schools in this country. During a game coach Smith goes to the bench often and with confidence. During the league tourney he went to 6'7 Dave Chadwick and he responded with a clutch effort. The Tarheels play at least eight to ten players a game. 
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 On defense North Carolina presses all over the court after all baskets and foul shots and plays a pressure man-to-man defense if the press is broken. The two guards are the key to the press with their size and quickness. The pressure defense is one of the Tarheel strongpoints.  On defense North Carolina presses all over the court after all baskets and foul shots and plays a pressure man-to-man defense if the press is broken. The two guards are the key to the press with their size and quickness. The pressure defense is one of the Tarheel strongpoints. 
  
-On offense North Carolina does an awful lot with the ball. It runs a double pivot, which UMass saw against B.C., it plays a one-three-one offense, runs cut-off series and uses a four corner offense, which UMass uses as a stall, for an offensive set play. +On offense North Carolina does an awful lot with the ball. It runs a double pivot, which UMass saw [[game19710209_boston_college|against B.C.]], it plays a one-three-one offense, runs cut-off series and uses a four corner offense, which UMass uses as a stall, for an offensive set play. 
  
 The Tarheels now stand in the way of the third Redman goal of this season and that's winning a game in the NIT. They present the biggest obstacle a UMass basketball team has ever had.  The Tarheels now stand in the way of the third Redman goal of this season and that's winning a game in the NIT. They present the biggest obstacle a UMass basketball team has ever had. 
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 On Friday this page will take a closer look at the game and analyze what UMass will have to do to reach its third goal.  On Friday this page will take a closer look at the game and analyze what UMass will have to do to reach its third goal. 
  
-HOOP NOTES— Another 2500 NIT tickets have been received at the Boyden ticket office and will be on sale today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Julius Erving received the highest vote total ever in the balloting for the UPI all-New England team.+HOOP NOTES — Another 2500 NIT tickets have been received at the Boyden ticket office and will be on sale today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. [[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] received the highest vote total ever in the balloting for the UPI all-New England team.
  
 **Redmen, Tarheels in NIT Opener**\\ **Redmen, Tarheels in NIT Opener**\\
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 [{{ :19710320_collegian_cartoon_2.jpg?direct&400|Mass. Daily Collegian cartoon}}] [{{ :19710320_collegian_cartoon_2.jpg?direct&400|Mass. Daily Collegian cartoon}}]
-Going up against the toughest opponent any UMass basketball team has ever faced, the Redman hoopsters open up first round action in the National Invitational Tournament tomorrow morning at 11, against top-seeded North Carolina.+Going up against the toughest opponent any UMass basketball team has ever faced, the Redman hoopsters open up first round action in the [[wp>1971 National Invitation Tournament|National Invitational Tournament]] tomorrow morning at 11, against top-seeded [[opponent_north_carolina|North Carolina]].
  
-Who ever would have thought that a Yankee Conference team would be playing a powerhouse from the Atlantic Coast Conference?  Who ever would have perceived of a team with the abundant talent that North Carolina has would be on the same court with a team that has been called a one-man ball club?+Who ever would have thought that a [[Yankee Conference]] team would be playing a powerhouse from the [[wp>Atlantic Coast Conference]]?  Who ever would have perceived of a team with the abundant talent that North Carolina has would be on the same court with a team that has been called a one-man ball club?
  
 The tournament officials seemed to have felt this way also and gave to the Tarheels what they felt would be the easiest opponent to dispose of in the first round, and make it to the second easily. The tournament officials seemed to have felt this way also and gave to the Tarheels what they felt would be the easiest opponent to dispose of in the first round, and make it to the second easily.
  
-The oddsmakers wouldn’t hear of giving a chance to a team that lost to little Springfield going up against the number 12 ranked team in the country.  They undoubtedly had a field day with this point spread.+The oddsmakers wouldn’t hear of giving a chance to a team that [[game19710216_springfield|lost to little Springfield]] going up against the number 12 ranked team in the country.  They undoubtedly had a field day with this point spread.
  
-But what all these officials and oddsmakers have failed to realize is that there will not be one, but two talented ball clubs on the Garden floor tomorrow at 11 a.m.+But what all these officials and oddsmakers have failed to realize is that there will not be one, but two talented ball clubs on the [[wp>Madison Square Garden|Garden]] floor tomorrow at 11 a.m.
  
 Possessors of one of the best records in the country, 23-3, number one in New England in the minds of all except the pollsters and impressive debuted in last year’s NIT the UMass hoopsters will not be the team that the big city has made it out to be. Possessors of one of the best records in the country, 23-3, number one in New England in the minds of all except the pollsters and impressive debuted in last year’s NIT the UMass hoopsters will not be the team that the big city has made it out to be.
  
-Commented head coach Jack Leaman, “ I guarantee that we’re going down ready to play.  We have the potential to do the things we have to do to come out on top and I wouldn’t be surprised if we beat North Carolina.”+Commented head coach [[leaman_jack|Jack Leaman]], “I guarantee that we’re going down ready to play.  We have the potential to do the things we have to do to come out on top and I wouldn’t be surprised if we beat North Carolina.”
  
-These words tell the whole story.  UMass, from the little Yankee Conference, can play on the same court with the top team in the ACC.  And UMass can put it all together to stagger the oddsmakers as they almost did last year against Marquette with what they would call a major upset.+These words tell the whole story.  UMass, from the little Yankee Conference, can play on the same court with the top team in the ACC.  And UMass can put it all together to stagger the oddsmakers as they almost did [[game19700314_marquette|last year against Marquette]] with what they would call a major upset.
  
 With all the talent and impressive credentials that North Carolina possesses, what will the Redmen have to do to win this game? With all the talent and impressive credentials that North Carolina possesses, what will the Redmen have to do to win this game?
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 On offense he went on to say, “We have to make our offense go,” which means coping with the vaunted Tarheel press and man-to-man defense and putting the ball in the hole with good percentage shots. On offense he went on to say, “We have to make our offense go,” which means coping with the vaunted Tarheel press and man-to-man defense and putting the ball in the hole with good percentage shots.
  
-As for personnel in this contest there is no doubt that North Carolina has many many good players.  But Leaman and a good many others feel that we have the best player on the court tomorrow in Julius Erving, the top player in New England.  Time and time again he has been put on the block; can he play against the best competition and time and time again he has responded with great efforts against the best.  No need to ask about tomorrow’s effort.+As for personnel in this contest there is no doubt that North Carolina has many many good players.  But Leaman and a good many others feel that we have the best player on the court tomorrow in [[erving_julius|Julius Erving]], the top player in New England.  Time and time again he has been put on the block; can he play against the best competition and time and time again he has responded with great efforts against the best.  No need to ask about tomorrow’s effort.
  
-The starting line-up has not been completely decided upon for the game.  The Redmen have their final practice before leaving at Hopkins Academy.  One thing for certain is that John Betancourt, Mike Pagliara, Ken Mathias, Tom McLaughlin and Chris Coffin will be seeing a lot of action along with Erving before the contest is over.+The starting line-up has not been completely decided upon for the game.  The Redmen have their final practice before leaving at Hopkins Academy.  One thing for certain is that John Betancourt, Mike Pagliara, [[Ken Mathias]], [[Tom McLaughlin]] and Chris Coffin will be seeing a lot of action along with Erving before the contest is over.
  
 In his final appraisal of the game Leaman said, “We’ll try to do the things that we do best and do well enough to win.”  With the third goal of winning an NIT game in sight it is certain the Redmen will be ready to do their thing tomorrow morning in the Gardens. In his final appraisal of the game Leaman said, “We’ll try to do the things that we do best and do well enough to win.”  With the third goal of winning an NIT game in sight it is certain the Redmen will be ready to do their thing tomorrow morning in the Gardens.
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-Julius Erving of UMass, Jim O’Brien of B.C., Bob Kissane of Holy Cross, and Ernie DiGregario of Providence College have been selected to both the AP and UPI first team All-New England basketball teams.  The two teams differed only in the selection of a fifth player; AP chose Jake Jones of Assumption while UPI picked Rusty Tyler of Brown.+Julius Erving of UMass, [[wp>Jim O'Brien (basketball, born 1950)|Jim O’Brien]] of [[opponent_boston_college|B.C.]], Bob Kissane of [[opponent_holy_cross|Holy Cross]], and [[wp>Ernie DiGregario]] of [[opponent_providence|Providence College]] have been selected to both the AP and UPI first team All-New England basketball teams.  The two teams differed only in the selection of a fifth player; AP chose Jake Jones of [[wp>Assumption Greyhounds|Assumption]] while UPI picked Rusty Tyler of [[opponent_brown|Brown]].
  
-Leading the second team selections were Paul Erland of Dartmouth, Bob Staak of UConn and Floyd Lewis of Harvard.+Leading the second team selections were Paul Erland of [[opponent_dartmouth|Dartmouth]], [[wp>Bob Staak]] of [[opponent_connecticut|UConn]] and Floyd Lewis of [[opponent_harvard|Harvard]].
  
-Tyler and Serge DeBari of Assumption rounded out the AP team; Jim Morgan of Yale and James Brown of Harvard were selected by UPI.+Tyler and Serge DeBari of Assumption rounded out the AP team; Jim Morgan of [[opponent_yale|Yale]] and [[wp>James Brown (sportscaster)|James Brown]] of Harvard were selected by UPI.
  
 Erving, a junior, who averaged 27.5 points and 19.9 rebounds, received a record 40 first team votes (40 coaches were polled). Erving, a junior, who averaged 27.5 points and 19.9 rebounds, received a record 40 first team votes (40 coaches were polled).
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 DiGregario who was the only sophomore to be picked on either first team, averaged 18 points per game for the Friars.  O’Brien and Kissane, both seniors, averaged 18.9 and 17.1 points respectively; Kissane also averaged 10.1 rebounds per game. DiGregario who was the only sophomore to be picked on either first team, averaged 18 points per game for the Friars.  O’Brien and Kissane, both seniors, averaged 18.9 and 17.1 points respectively; Kissane also averaged 10.1 rebounds per game.
  
-The UPI third team consisted of Jim Larranaga and Don Lewis of Providence, Arnie Berman of Brown, James Brown of Dartmouth, Kevin Shea and Jim Moxley of Northeastern and Dale Dover of Harvard.+The UPI third team consisted of [[wp>Jim Larranaga]] and Don Lewis of Providence, Arnie Berman of Brown, James Brown of Dartmouth, Kevin Shea and Jim Moxley of [[opponent_northeastern|Northeastern]] and Dale Dover of Harvard.
  
-John Betancourt and Ken Mathias of UMass were selected to the UPI list of honorable mentions.+John Betancourt and [[Ken Mathias]] of UMass were selected to the UPI list of honorable mentions.
  
  
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 [{{ :19710320_erving_out_of_position.jpg?direct&400|Mass. Daily Collegian photo}}] [{{ :19710320_erving_out_of_position.jpg?direct&400|Mass. Daily Collegian photo}}]
-NEW YORK - The Tarheels of North Carolina did just what they were supposed to do, and more.  They played defense as if it were their own innovation, they cleared the boards at both ends, and they shot 59% from the floor.  And to top all that off, they shuffled men in and out of the line-up like a hockey team, and it seemed that each new “line” was better than the previous one.+NEW YORK - The Tarheels of [[opponent_north_carolina|North Carolina]] did just what they were supposed to do, and more.  They played defense as if it were their own innovation, they cleared the boards at both ends, and they shot 59% from the floor.  And to top all that off, they shuffled men in and out of the line-up like a hockey team, and it seemed that each new “line” was better than the previous one.
  
-It was a route, an out-and-out rout.  The thing that turned it into such a lopsided affair was the fact that Julius Erving fouled out of the game with some 17 minutes (more like 17 years) left in the contest.  When Erving was called for his fourth foul with 6:40 left in the first half, the Redmen were down by only eleven.  But with number 32 virtually immobilized because of foul trouble, the game turned into Tarheel shooting practice.+It was a route, an out-and-out rout.  The thing that turned it into such a lopsided affair was the fact that [[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] fouled out of the game with some 17 minutes (more like 17 years) left in the contest.  When Erving was called for his fourth foul with 6:40 left in the first half, the Redmen were down by only eleven.  But with number 32 virtually immobilized because of foul trouble, the game turned into Tarheel shooting practice.
  
 The second half began where the first left off, with North Carolina continually building up on its lead.  Then when Erving fouled out with 16:41 still to go, the game became a monotonous series of Tarheel layups. The second half began where the first left off, with North Carolina continually building up on its lead.  Then when Erving fouled out with 16:41 still to go, the game became a monotonous series of Tarheel layups.
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 It appeared as though the Redmen would still make a go of the game even with Erving out, as they managed to stay within 17 points midway through the second stanza.  However, incredible as it may seem, UMass went frigid from the floor, and for the next seven minutes and 48 seconds did not score a single point.  In that span, the Tarheels extended their lead from 17 to 35 points, and the game was long gone for the ruffled Redmen. It appeared as though the Redmen would still make a go of the game even with Erving out, as they managed to stay within 17 points midway through the second stanza.  However, incredible as it may seem, UMass went frigid from the floor, and for the next seven minutes and 48 seconds did not score a single point.  In that span, the Tarheels extended their lead from 17 to 35 points, and the game was long gone for the ruffled Redmen.
  
-With Erving out of the ballgame, the final 17 minutes were simply disastrous for UMass, particularly under the boards.  North Carolina, while generally limiting the Redmen to one shot, was continually getting two, three, and sometimes four shots at its own end.  Lee Dedmon and Bill Chamberlain led the rebounding assault which saw the winners enjoy a nearly two-to-one edge in that department.+With Erving out of the ballgame, the final 17 minutes were simply disastrous for UMass, particularly under the boards.  North Carolina, while generally limiting the Redmen to one shot, was continually getting two, three, and sometimes four shots at its own end.  Lee Dedmon and [[wp>Bill Chamberlain]] led the rebounding assault which saw the winners enjoy a nearly two-to-one edge in that department.
  
 Add that to the fact that the Redmen were shooting a paltry 19% from the floor in the half and a big part of the story is told. Add that to the fact that the Redmen were shooting a paltry 19% from the floor in the half and a big part of the story is told.
  
-With UMass helplessly disorganized, the Tarheels ran wild.  That they managed to get all but one of their players in the scoring column says a lot for the balance of Dean Smith’s team.  That is why it is impossible to single out any one individual on the squad.  They had ten basketball players, each of whom could have started, and each of whom were at least near double figures in minutes played.  It was like playing two teams, each equally as good as the other, and each equally better than UMass.+With UMass helplessly disorganized, the Tarheels ran wild.  That they managed to get all but one of their players in the scoring column says a lot for the balance of [[wp>Dean Smith|Dean Smith’s]] team.  That is why it is impossible to single out any one individual on the squad.  They had ten basketball players, each of whom could have started, and each of whom were at least near double figures in minutes played.  It was like playing two teams, each equally as good as the other, and each equally better than UMass.
  
 If there was anything good to come out of the game, it was the experience gained by some of the players that will be an essential part of the Redman basketball program next year, even though it was a harrowing experience. If there was anything good to come out of the game, it was the experience gained by some of the players that will be an essential part of the Redman basketball program next year, even though it was a harrowing experience.
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-A strange thing happened at Madison Square Garden last Saturday in the opening round of the NIT.  For the first time in the past two seasons we UMass fans were put to rest by the opposition.  North Carolina, the tourney champion, has been the only team to perform this feat since the emergence of UMass hoop under Julius Erving and company.+A strange thing happened at [[wp>Madison Square Garden]] last Saturday in the opening round of [[wp>1971 National Invitation Tournament|the NIT]].  For the first time in the past two seasons we UMass fans were put to rest by the opposition.  [[opponent_north_carolina|North Carolina]], the tourney champion, has been the only team to perform this feat since the emergence of UMass hoop under [[erving_julius|Julius Erving]] and company.
  
-Not even Fordham and Marquette could claim the same accomplishment.  So it goes to reason that all the ballyhoo about North Carolina being the best team any UMass quintet has ever faced is true to the bone.+Not even [[opponent_fordham|Fordham]] and [[opponent_marquette|Marquette]] could claim the same accomplishment.  So it goes to reason that all the ballyhoo about North Carolina being the best team any UMass quintet has ever faced is true to the bone.
  
 In performing this feat the Tarheels did everything that was expected and in doing so took the Redmen right out of the contest from the opening tap-off, which they won. In performing this feat the Tarheels did everything that was expected and in doing so took the Redmen right out of the contest from the opening tap-off, which they won.
  
-They were bigger, faster, scrappier, and better, with a schedule behind them that was not only super superior to ours but also superior to last years champion and conqueror of UMass, Marquette.+They were bigger, faster, scrappier, and better, with a schedule behind them that was not only super superior to ours but also superior to [[game19700314_marquette|last years champion and conqueror of UMass, Marquette]].
  
-There was no doubt that they were a team of NCAA tourney calibre and only that luck-out on the part of South Carolina on a jump ball in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament kept the Tarheels out of the big tournament.+There was no doubt that they were a team of NCAA tourney caliber and only that luck-out on the part of [[opponent_south_carolina|South Carolina]] on a jump ball in the [[wp>1971 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament|Atlantic Coast Conference tournament]] kept the Tarheels out of [[wp>1971 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament|the big tournament]].
  
-Probably the deepest team that has come along in many years North Carolina lost its top player, Dennis Wuycik, on an injury in the first half of this contest and still went on without any trouble to take the title.+Probably the deepest team that has come along in many years North Carolina lost its top player, [[wp>Dennis Wuycik]], on an injury in the first half of this contest and still went on without any trouble to take the title.
  
-After the championship game on Saturday in which the Tarheels demolished Georgia Tech, coach Dean Smith noted in the TV interview that his team had a lot to prove as far as the strength and prestige of the ACC was concerned.+After the championship game on Saturday in which the Tarheels demolished [[opponent_georgia_tech|Georgia Tech]], coach [[wp>Dean Smith]] noted in the TV interview that his team had a lot to prove as far as the strength and prestige of the ACC was concerned.
  
 Hungry, aggressive, intimidating.  Name any words that fit a team that wants a title so bad it can taste it and you have the true picture of what the Tarheels were like when they met the Redmen in the opening round. Hungry, aggressive, intimidating.  Name any words that fit a team that wants a title so bad it can taste it and you have the true picture of what the Tarheels were like when they met the Redmen in the opening round.
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 But this was not to be as number 32 fouled out only a little over three minutes into the second half and with his exit came the last noise out of us and the biggest noise of the game out of the sparse delegation of Tarheel fans. But this was not to be as number 32 fouled out only a little over three minutes into the second half and with his exit came the last noise out of us and the biggest noise of the game out of the sparse delegation of Tarheel fans.
  
-As we had savored in the exit of big Bill Smith of Syracuse a few weeks before, so to did the North Carolina fans find the exit of Erving to be a mighty big thing to hoop it up about.+As we had savored in the exit of big [[wp>William Smith (basketball, born 1949)|Bill Smith]] of [[game19710222_syracuse|Syracuse a few weeks before]], so to did the North Carolina fans find the exit of Erving to be a mighty big thing to hoop it up about.
  
 The Tarheel players were ecstatic and their arms were flying in the air as if they had won the world championship.  Their biggest obstacle was out of the way and it was home free for the boys from Durham. The Tarheel players were ecstatic and their arms were flying in the air as if they had won the world championship.  Their biggest obstacle was out of the way and it was home free for the boys from Durham.
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 Now the Redman subs took over and the Tarheels turned the game into layup lines, full-court style.  If there was anything beneficial to the subs in this situation it may have been experience gaines. Now the Redman subs took over and the Tarheels turned the game into layup lines, full-court style.  If there was anything beneficial to the subs in this situation it may have been experience gaines.
  
-Hitting somewhere over 60% from the field in the second half the Tarheels blew the final score way out of perspective.  They were hungry up to the last buzzer when they scored two hoops to put their margin over 50.+Hitting somewhere over 60% from the field in the second half the Tarheels blew the final score way out of perspective.  They were hungry up to the last buzzer when they scored two hoops to put their margin over 40.
  
 As the final buzzer went off to end the massacre all the tournament officials got together to slap each others hands for the fine job they had done in easily advancing the Tarheels to the second round. As the final buzzer went off to end the massacre all the tournament officials got together to slap each others hands for the fine job they had done in easily advancing the Tarheels to the second round.
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 It just wasn’t a day for UMass.  Even the assistant sports information director, myself, and the assistant sports editor were given the run around.  If this was their plan it was well done. It just wasn’t a day for UMass.  Even the assistant sports information director, myself, and the assistant sports editor were given the run around.  If this was their plan it was well done.
  
-What a way to end the most successful season in the history of UMass basketball.  Boston writers had only the fact that we were well represented at the gate as their main theme.  The pollsters took joy in seeing us crushed and Providence advanced to the second round.+What a way to end the most successful season in the history of UMass basketball.  Boston writers had only the fact that we were well represented at the gate as their main theme.  The pollsters took joy in seeing us crushed and [[opponent_providence|Providence]] advanced to the second round.
  
 But to be more realistic the Redmen were an outstanding team this year and one game should not destroy this image.  Not even on a great day could UMass or any of the other teams in the NIT have come close to North Carolina.  It will hurt no doubt for a while. But to be more realistic the Redmen were an outstanding team this year and one game should not destroy this image.  Not even on a great day could UMass or any of the other teams in the NIT have come close to North Carolina.  It will hurt no doubt for a while.
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-{{tag>"1970-71 season" "NIT (Post-Season)" "North Carolina" "Opponent Top 25" "Work in progress"}}+{{tag>"1970-71 season" "NIT (Post-Season)" "North Carolina" "Opponent Top 25"}}
game19710320_north_carolina.1616213818.txt.gz · Last modified: by mikeuma
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